The SEC coaching carousel may have slowed down, but the quarterback shuffle is just heating up. With transfer portal entries, NFL declarations, and return announcements flying across the conference, it’s clear that the offseason is shaping up to be just as dramatic as the fall. And on Monday, one of the biggest names in college football made his decision: Arch Manning is staying at Texas for the 2026 season.
That’s a major headline in its own right - Manning remains one of the most recognizable faces in the sport - but it also sends ripple effects across the SEC. And while it might seem like a move that doesn’t directly touch Georgia, dig a little deeper and you’ll see why Bulldogs fans should be smiling.
Arch Manning’s Return: A Familiar Face for Georgia
Let’s start with the obvious: Georgia is 3-0 against Texas since the Longhorns joined the SEC. That’s not just a record - it’s a statement.
And yes, Arch Manning has been under center for all three of those losses. That includes this year’s 35-10 rout, where Georgia’s defense clamped down and never let Manning find a rhythm.
So, when news breaks that Manning is running it back in Austin for another year, it’s hard not to see it as a win for Georgia. The Bulldogs have had his number, plain and simple. Whether it’s pressure in the pocket, tight coverage on the outside, or just the overall physicality of Kirby Smart’s defense, Manning hasn’t been able to crack the code.
And while Georgia and Texas aren’t scheduled to meet in the regular season next year, there’s always the possibility of a postseason clash - just like in 2024, when the two met in the SEC Championship Game.
A Look Back at That 2024 SEC Title Game
That game was one for the books. Georgia lost starting quarterback Carson Beck to injury at halftime, and in came Gunner Stockton.
All he did was lead a second-half comeback and an overtime win, etching his name into Bulldog lore. It was the kind of performance that builds confidence, not just in a player, but in a program’s ability to adapt and respond under pressure.
Fast forward to this season, and Stockton didn’t just manage the game - he dominated. Against Texas, he picked apart the Longhorns’ defense from start to finish, while Manning once again struggled to gain traction against Georgia’s relentless front seven and disciplined secondary.
What It Means Going Forward
Now, with Manning confirmed to be back in burnt orange for 2026, the door is open for a potential rematch - perhaps in Atlanta once again. And if that happens, history favors the Bulldogs.
Of course, the offseason is long, and development happens. Manning could take a leap.
He’s got the tools, the pedigree, and another year in the system. But that same logic applies to Stockton, assuming he returns.
And based on what we’ve seen, Georgia’s quarterback room - and the team as a whole - continues to trend upward.
So while Texas is hoping for growth and a breakthrough from their QB1, Georgia has every reason to feel confident. They’ve seen this matchup before.
They’ve won it before. And if the paths cross again, the Bulldogs will likely enter as favorites - not because of hype, but because of results.
The Bottom Line
Arch Manning staying at Texas might not shake up the SEC standings today, but it keeps a familiar storyline alive. Georgia has been the hurdle he hasn’t cleared. And unless something changes in a big way, the Bulldogs will welcome another shot at the Longhorns - and another chance to prove that when it comes to SEC supremacy, they’re still the ones setting the standard.